A federal ICAC a must

The level of scrutiny by the NSW ICAC will raise the standards of behaviour by our elected officials in that state. Victoria is promising to follow suit. But where is a similar body federally? In the US there have been serious questions raised about undue influence on negotiators for free trade treaties.

With the Trans-Pacific Partnership accord and a free trade agreement with China on the cards, it is paramount that Australia’s interests are served, not those of large, vested interests.

Locally, the evidence of senator Arthur Sinodinos and the bald denial of conflict of interest by senator Fiona Nash make it clear we need a federal ICAC. Being “open for business” shouldn’t mean “open for persuasion”.